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Country Guide

Attractions in Thailand

Bangkok is most visitors starting point in Thailand. It's chaotic, noisy and harshly modern and can be a shock to the senses for those visitors expecting a relaxed, exotic destination. However beneath the brash exterior a traditional way of life still thrives in the quiet sois (lanes) beneath the expressways.More

Located near to Bangkok's northern bus terminal, Chatuchak weekend market is Bangkok's most memorable shopping experience. The sprawling complex is home to around eight thousand stalls selling everything imaginable - plus much more.More

Chiang Mai, Thailand's bustling second city is a great place to visit. Located in the north of the country it's a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains, full of stunning vistas, waterfalls and isolated hill tribes.More

The 'death railway', built by Allied prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation of Thailand initially linked Thailand with Burma through seemingly impassable terrain. Little of the railway remains, just a short stretch running from Kanchanaburi to the waterfall at Sai Yok.More

Erawan Waterfalls are probably Thailands most photographed sets of falls and situated not far from Kanchanaburi in Erawan National park. The seven tiered falls are named after Erawan, the three headed elephant of Hindu mythology – apparently the highest level bears a resemblance to the beast. Each of the seven tiers has many smaller falls, with crystal clear water and teeming with fish.More

The Grand Palace is Bangkok's biggest tourist attraction and is a dazzling complex of richly decorated buildings. Within the walls are several throne halls, courtyards and palaces as well as Wat Phra Kaeo, home to the Emerald Buddha.More

Kanchanaburi is a small town located a couple of hours west of Bangkok. The riverside location is really peaceful teeming with wildlife and having some stunning sunsets. There's also lots to do in the surrounding mountainous countryside.More

Koh Samui is the Thailand of the holiday brochures – a lush tropical paradise with long sandy beaches beneath shady coconut palms and warm turquoise waters. Much of the island has been heavily developed and now caters to international holidaymakers rather than the backpacker crowd of old. However the island's charms remain the same – endless sunshine and gorgeous views.More

Krabi is the port town and departure point for visits to the many islands of Thailand's Andaman coast. The town is stretched out alongside the tidal river, with mangrove forests on the opposite shore. Much of the area surrounding the town is limestone and the towering karst rock formations that characterise South East Asia are at their most dramatic here.More

Located in the foothills of the mountains north of Chiang Mai, Mae Sa Elephant Camp allows you to get up close and personal with these huge animals. You can take a ride through the jungle on the back of these mighty beasts or get involved with bathing them.More

Deep in the heart of Koh Samui, the two waterfalls of Na Muang are one of the few attractions to tempt people off the beaches. The busy safari park near the entrance has elephant and other animal shows throughout the day and there are elephant rides through the surrounding jungle.More

Just north of Chiang Mai is Tiger Kingdom, one of the strangest tourist attractions in the area. Run by Udon Zoo, Tiger Kingdom allows you to get up close with the tigers – inside the cages with them in fact! It's a very controlled environment with the keepers having a very close watch on everything.More

Wat Pho was Thailand's first university, but is now more famous for a gigantic reclining Buddha. At fourty five metres long, the Buddha is only slightly smaller than the building it is housed in meaning it's difficult to appreciate its size.More

In the north of Samui is Bo Phut beach – otherwise known as Big Buddha beach after the nearby temple. The beach isn't anything special but has a more laid back vibe than much of the island with a nice selection of restaurants.More

Close to Wat Phra Yai is another temple complex, Wat Plai Laem. A larger temple complete with school, Wat Plai Laem also has its oversized statues. There's a small lake inside the complex on which the main sanctuary seemingly floats on a lotus flower.More

Wat Umong is a peaceful forest temple located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. The parkland setting complete with lake is a respite from the noise and traffic of the city, and the chanting of the resident monks adds to the sense of calm.More

From a distance Wat Rong Koom (White Temple) is just dazzling and up close it's even more so. It's been a life's work for the artist that created this temple just outside Chiang Rai and he's still not finished.More